The European Climate and Energy Modelling Platform (ECEMP) - policy advice and research highlights from its 2023 edition

This paper presents an overview of the European Climate and Energy Modeling Platform (ECEMP) 2023 conference and its associated special issue, highlighting recent advances in climate and energy modeling research across Europe. Originally established as the Energy Modeling Platform for Europe (EMP-E) in 2017, ECEMP has evolved into a central forum connecting researchers, modelers, and policymakers focused on European energy transition and climate policy. The 2023 edition emphasized net zero targets, addressing economic, technological, and societal challenges in achieving decarbonization while considering climate impacts and geopolitical constraints. The special issue features ten articles. The research demonstrates how energy systems modeling continues advancing to address clean energy transition complexities, providing critical insights for policy design and investment decisions. ECEMP’s role as a platform for European researchers, EU-funded projects, and Commission representatives ensures continued policy relevance and research realism in climate transition modeling.